New Year's Resolutions for the Cleveland Browns

Missing the playoffs for a 10th straight season, the Cleveland Browns need to hold themselves to a few important promises as the calendar turns.

Let's take a look at what owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner's top three resolutions need to be.

3. Bring Back Phil!

New coaches, new general managers and now a new owner. Kicker Phil Dawson's seen it all as a member of the Browns.

Since returning to the NFL in 1999, this franchise has had 18 different starting quarterbacks. Why would the new regime not open up the check book to their only consistent point producer?

Connecting on 29-of-31 field goals and being selected to his first Pro Bowl capped off a career year for Dawson. The franchise tag was already slapped on the veteran leg man the previous two seasons. Doing that again is not an option as it would cost an estimated $15 million, which is ludicrous.

At 37, if Dawson wants to stay then sign him up to a long-term deal and have him retire a Brown.

Don't do it Joe Banner! Delete it from your cell and tear it from your phone book. Get rid of Michael Lombardi's number.

Rumors that Lombardi would come back to the Browns as director of player personnel have been running rampant in recent weeks. The firing of GM Tom Heckert means the hunt is on for whatever type of general manager/personnel hybrid Banner and Haslam are looking for.